More good questions from behind the scenes.... the names where changed to protect the inocent!

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diarmadhi, thanks for the writeup and your impressions of the Camaro. Great to know that the auto transmission will have paddle shifters and that there are auxiliary buttons on the steering wheel that weren't seen in the spy photos. Also, I see that the HUD question is still left uncertain, but did you see or did anybody ask if it would have a nav system or an automatic climate control system as options? Thanks in advance.

Those questions where not asked simply because even if they are offered, they wouldn't be on these test mules. Those things don't need road testing just workup in a lab and then endurance tested in a warehouse. From what i saw of the interior, you will get standards stuff for climate controls and there was no nav screen/display.

There was this one guy with a camera but Punchy spotted him, spoke into his 2-way radio and before we knew it, a fleet of black Suburbans showed up outa nowhere and hauled the guy off! Didn't see him again. If I didn't know better, I'd swear FbodFather was driving one!

Actually, contrary to typical Arizona wild west behavior, we all were very appreciative of what Punchy was doing for us and had no problem leaving our cell phones behind.

But I will say this, There's at least 3 test mules in Mesa, AZ and I travel about 100 miles a day for work. I do have both a camera and camcorder in tow. I have no problem being late to wherever I'm going if it's for a good cause. If I see one in the wild it's GAME ON!

All this small talk has me a bit worried. The Bumblebee Saleen GTO which is the same size as the original concept is not small by any means. Is it smaller than a 98 Ford Mustang??? Is the front seat lower to compensate where you can't see the hood at all while driving as in the 4th gen camaro? If you are over 6 feet, how much head room from the top of your head to the roof can we expect? As for all you lucky forum members that got to be there, I envy all of you. I know all of these answers will be solved once they hit showroom's, however it would be nice to know sooner so I can make my decision between the Camaro and the new Challenger. From reading the specs of both car's, the Camaro is supposed to be wider than the Challenger... Is this true?

Remember, non of us has seen the Concept in person and I know that the pre-production car was smaller than I expected, but it is not tiny by any means. It is definetly bigger than a Mustang.

That's good to hear. I'm glad you guys had fun while you were there and did actually see the camaro. I wish they had let you take photographs of the event considering we already have photo's of the car's you saw. The most interesting comment was the one about the GT500 which means we should be seeing a 500HP Camaro or better in the works?

diarmadhi, thank you for that very detailed write up!!! You are to be commended, sir!

Punchy, I can't even begin to thank you enough for putting forth this effort and taking these folks out for the tour. I mean really....that was very kind of you.

I could only imagine the great memories that were made today...vette ride doing 360's and drifting?? Dang! But, getting to see 3 black prepros out there!?! Now...why do ya'll think there was one completely covered up..... I'm guessing V6, V8, V8 SC...one for each black prepro. And...someone mentioned supercharger??? huh??? what have I been saying?!?!?! Something that really makes me happy is that Bluetooth... I could use that all the time. Ah....and that's what the thing was on the dash!!! A speaker! Cool deal....sounds like we are going to have some 5.1 surround sound in this bad boy. Did you see a label w/ type of speaker?

Guys, you all are so lucky...living out there and getting to take part in something as cool as this. And, as much as I'd like to see pix, thanks for being honest and respectful to Punchy. Congratulations, guys. And, it really is that much better in person!

You guys are super lucky and Punchy is quite a generous person to allow the tour and peak.

Way to go!!!

__________________

"...What IS true: We anticipated that this would happen - we are never finished - and yes, Ford DOES deserve to win now and then. To think that GM can come out with a car to make ford throw in the towel is simply foolhardy..." - fbodfather

Once again I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves, UNFORTUNATELY I'm not going to be able to give anymore tours at this time.

I don't expect the guys that came here to not report what you've seen as I would do the same if I were in your shoes. I completely understand. There's just too much to try to keep under wraps at the grounds and I've created stress for some great employees there and it was the last thing I ever wanted to do.

nice to have assurance on the supercharger. that model will sure to be marked up 10k for a year and low production. even if they make it large production I can't see it stickering for under 38k. seems like you didn't get too many answers out of em but I bet it was kick ass just getting to see em up close. If I recall the gt500 dosn't do all that well when it comes to dyno runs and track handling. so says top gear but clarkson is bias against american cars

I am 6'7" tall, do you think I'm going to be comfortable in the new Camaro?

Thanks again!

Damn! I didn't know they stacked Sh*t that high! Just Kidin' man I swear to god I am 6'7" also, and waiting for this car, that is my biggest concern, is the amount of headroom in this thing, My friend has a '07 White Shelby GT and Headroom wise in it is cool, But man, I'm really wanting the Camaro!

My '68 SS396 weighs closer to 3400. And thats with an iron big block and all fluids. Cant remember how full the gas tank was. Weighed it when the Air Force moved me. Had to weigh my household goods so I threw the Camaro up on the scale!

If I recall the gt500 dosn't do all that well when it comes to dyno runs and track handling. so says top gear but clarkson is bias against american cars

Clarkson's favorite car was the Ford GT which he bought and drove for himself for many years so he isn't really biased against American car's. The show makes fun of every car pretty much and has a professional former race car driver test all the vehicles around a little test track where handling is more important than being very fast.

Below is a funny article from the Top Gear website. If you are curious, youtube has pretty much all the clips of the show and most of them are very funny. These two are my favorites... The Ford GT clip is a very good one as well and shows you what the show is about.

Once again I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves, UNFORTUNATELY I'm not going to be able to give anymore tours at this time.

I don't expect the guys that came here to not report what you've seen as I would do the same if I were in your shoes. I completely understand. There's just too much to try to keep under wraps at the grounds and I've created stress for some great employees there and it was the last thing I ever wanted to do.

So again I apologize but no more tours. :(

That sucks Punchy, the last thing we wanted to do is cause any stress for anyone there. We are very glad for what you were able to do for us. Hopefully there will be another time soon when you can give others tours like you gave us.

To me it looked roomier than a mustang, but I think that was mostly because the center console was lower. In a mustang the console is basically at elbow height when sitting in it, in the camaro it looked like the console only just came above the seat bolster.

Okay, this is not good news for me. I really like the height of the center console in my Mustang. I actually put quite a bit of weight on it resting my elbow there. Is it confirmed that the center console is lower than the driver's elbow will typically be? Or, is there a possibility that there will be a padded console cover that will provide support and balance when cornering, etc?